Clients have mixed views when it comes to revisiting their past in therapy. Some might argue that there is no point in doing so as, after all, it’s over and in the past. However, there are others who don’t think that working on their past in therapy is a waste of time. Counselling should not focus solely on childhood, ignoring the present and future, as it’s not black and white. Effective therapies explore the past thoughtfully without solely focusing on it, often yielding satisfying results.
Revisiting the past can be re-traumatizing, as repeatedly reliving painful memories doesn’t always improve how we process them. Retelling the same story might feel like reciting a script, which can make us feel worse, not better, as we remain stuck in the same emotional place. Dwelling on distressing events can also ruin our day since focusing on negatives often leads us to notice other negatives around us. Some people avoid revisiting childhood memories, fearing it might disrupt their view of family relationships or stir up drama. Therapy may also unearth repressed memories that are difficult to process, potentially changing how we feel about our past or present. In certain cases, there’s even a risk of creating false memories, particularly from early childhood, which can complicate relationships if we act on these memories without fully understanding them. Revisiting past events requires care to avoid unintended emotional harm.
Despite the disadvantages that have just been mentioned, at times, the past is still revisited in therapy as there are also several positive outcomes attributed to it. Revisiting the past can provide a new perspective on what happened, and we might start seeing it differently. Revisiting the past can help release painful feelings tied to old experiences, preventing them from surfacing at the worst times. Since current events can trigger past hurts, exploring these memories can shrink their impact instead of amplifying it. By facing the “landmines” that limit us, we open up new possibilities and create fuller lives. Another benefit is gaining a clearer, untwisted view of the world.
There are still some factors one needs to consider before revisiting the past. Those functioning well do not need to revisit their past as much as those who aren’t. For those who are too focused on their past and ruminate a lot about it or else are the complete opposite and don’t think much about it, they should address their past in therapy. The same goes for individuals whose past is interfering with their current functioning as they might not have taken the necessary steps to heal from past events.
If you think that you can benefit from professional support on this issue you can reach out here.
Johanna Cutajar is a Master in Counselling graduate from the University of Malta. She works with children and adolescents as a counsellor within the education sector on a variety of issues including relationship issues, trauma, bereavement, transitions, and general mental health.
References
Austin, S. (2018). Revisiting the Trauma: Helpful or Harmful? Retrieved from https://healinghistorycounseling.com/revisiting-the-trauma-helpful-or-harmful/
Keelan, P. (n.d.). When and how is it helpful to focus on your past in counselling? Retrieved from https://drpatrickkeelan.com/psychology/when-and-how-is-it-helpful-to-focus-on-your-past-in-counselling/